Current Undergraduate Opportunities

Human Rights in Context

In this position students can learn new perspectives and consider the ways human rights might apply to their vocational interests, developing a critical proficiency in human rights in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Brain Structure and Function in Human Development

We are looking for student research assistants who will assist all protocols with data entry and quality control, MRI image processing, chart review and audit, literature reviews and other projects as assigned by researchers and research staff. If desired, this position provides opportunities to observe (and, in time, assist with) various procedures throughout the life cycle of a research project, such as: study participant engagement and assessment, neurocognitive test administration and scoring, research methods and data analysis, programming and script development, and neuroimaging methods, including MRI acquisition.

The short and long-term effects of pregnancy-related disease on maternal and child health

Our lab work spans the translational science spectrum and work can range from bench work to consenting participants. No experience is required. Students need to have availability to be in lab for 3-4 hours at a time.

Evolution of Stress Response Networks in Yeast Pathogens

We are looking for motivated students with a strong interest in research as a career, and eager to gain skills in molecular biology, fungal genetics and bioinformatic data analysis. Research projects in the lab span a wide range of topics but are mostly focused on understanding the evolution of stress response regulation in a group of yeast species. This group includes several opportunistic pathogens that based on our preliminary data have rewired their stress response networks.

Neural Mechanisms Underlying Motivated Behaviors

We are looking for undergraduates interested in neuroscience research investigating how the brain influences reward seeking and fear behaviors.

Genetic Regulation of Endoderm Development

We are currently seeking undergraduate students to join our research team. The students will be responsible for zebrafish care and fish genotyping and will also receive relevant training to conduct experiments. Students will have opportunities to be involved in specific projects and contribute to publications.

Human Brain and Research Technologies

This position offers hands-on experience and research skills by working with a human brain bank and associated technologies. You will assist with administrative tasks, research biospecimen collection, microscopic imaging, preparation of reagents and material, analysis of human specimens, and assisting the outreach events and workshops.

Development of Behavior Problems and Positive Adjustment in Children

The Developmental Psychopathology Lab conducts research to understand how children develop behavior problems as well as positive adjustment. We have been particularly interested in externalizing behavior problems, such as aggressive, disruptive, and noncompliant behavior. We focus on the development of self-regulation skills and the consequences of children’s self-regulation skills (or deficits) for their school readiness. The goal of our lab is to improve understanding about how children develop behavior problems from a very early age (3–7 years).

Dietary and Lifestyle Approaches to Improving Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis

The Wahls Research lab is interested in the relationship between diet quality and clinical outcomes. Motor function is assessed using timed walk and hand function tests. Vision function, quality of life and blood biomarkers are also assessed. The study Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis is a five year study, completing in 2027.

Gastroenterology research about muscle layer and mucosa

Our team is committed to advancing our understanding of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically focusing on its muscle layer and mucosa. Our ultimate aim is to translate our foundational scientific discoveries into clinical studies, paving the way for innovative treatments for GI diseases.

Neurobiology of Alcohol Dependence and Neurodegeneration

Our group is focused on understanding the molecular and circuit adaptations following alcohol abuse and chronic stress that predispose to psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative disease and infectious disease.

Social-Emotional Development from Infancy to Adolescence

We study children’s social-emotional development from infancy to adolescence. Students in this lab have the opportunity to work on a longitudinal study to help collect data during laboratory sessions, code behavioral data from videos, and perform preliminary data management.

Central Nervous System Control of Metabolic Homeostasis and Sleep-Wake Behavior

Research projects in our lab aim to uncover the complex brain networks and signaling mechanisms that control metabolic homeostasis and sleep-wake behavior using mouse as a model organism. Students will first learn the state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques, including optogenetics, chemogenetics and in vivo fiber photometry, and then help different research projects led by postdocs and research scientists.

Mechanisms by ion channels and transporters mediate transport of ions across cellular membranes

The Chowdhury Lab is interested in understanding how ions and small molecules are transported across the oily cellular membranes. Such processes are not only critical for cellular survival, they underlie the electrical activity of neurons, cardiac myocytes etc. The lab specializes in membrane protein biochemistry and biophysics and uses multi-disciplinary approaches to determine atomic resolution snapshots of protein complexes, mediating these transport processes, at different stages of their function.

Neural and cognitive mechanisms of executive function

The Hwang lab conducts research to understand the neural mechanisms of executive functions. Specifically, we are interested in discovering the neural architecture, processes, and dynamic systems that allow brain networks to select, inhibit, transfer, and integrate information. Together, these mechanisms support many important mental functions, such as attention, working memory, response selection and inhibition. We address our research questions with a comprehensive human neuroscience approach, combining multimodal research methodologies, including fMRI, EEG, TMS, eye tracking and behavioral testing. Research assistants will gain valuable experience with cognitive neuroscience research. Specifically, the research assistant will assist with subject recruitment, behavioral/EEG/TMS/fMRI data collection, quality control of neuroimaging data, and execution of data analyses. If motivated, the applicant will also have the opportunity to learn advanced neuroimaging methods and develop research projects. Assistants are also encouraged to attend regular journal clubs to discuss the most up-to-date scientific literature.

Understanding Novel Genes in Cardiac and Neurological Systems and Disease

The Boudreau Lab is working to discover new genes that regulate healthy heart functions. We are looking for energetic students who are interested in learning advanced techniques to help us with general lab duties.

Wessel Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Neuroscience

Undergrad Research Assistants will run Cognitive Neuroscience tasks with EEG and TMS neuroimaging techniques. No lab experience required.

Neurocognitive Basis of Parent-Child Interactions and Child Development

Research assistants will have the opportunity to assist with various lab procedures (e.g., collecting data during child lab visits, data management, and video coding of parent–child interactions). Students will also have the opportunity to gain experience in data collection and analysis in fNIRS and MRI experiments.

Brain Mechanisms of Learning and Memory

We conduct research on the brain mechanisms underlying learning and memory in humans, rats, and mice. Our experiments involve cutting-edge neuroscience techniques to study how information is learned and stored in the brain.

Neuroendocrine Tumors and Other Rare Cancer Models.

We are developing novel rare cancer models for drug testing and understanding tumor biology. We are recruiting students who would like to do research for the Undergrad Honor's Research course and seeking publication opportunity.
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Neurobiology of alcohol dependence and neurodegeneration

Alcohol and Neurodegeneration Lab, Neuroscience and Pharmacology

Our group is focused on understanding the molecular and circuit adaptations following alcohol abuse and chronic stress that predispose to psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative disease and infectious disease. 

Mechanisms by ion channels and transporters mediate transport of ions across cellular membranes

Chowdhury Lab

We are interested in understanding how ions and small molecules are transported across the oily cellular membranes. We specialize in membrane protein biochemistry and biophysics, determining atomic resolution snapshots of protein complexes.

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

Neurocognitive basis of parent-child interactions and child development

Development, Experience and Neurocognition Lab

Research assistants will have the opportunity to assist with various lab procedures (e.g., collecting data during child lab visits, data management, and video coding of parent–child interactions). 

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

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Molecular basis and gene therapy of cystic fibrosis

Engelhardt Research Lab, Anatomy and Cell Biology

We are looking for undergraduate students who are interested in research and learning techniques that will help with general lab duties including aliquoting, cell work, chemical making, cleanup, and lab upkeep. No experience is needed; we are willing to train you!

Neural and cognitive mechanisms of executive function

Hwang Lab, Neurocognitive Dynamics

The Hwang lab conducts research to understand the neural mechanisms of executive functions. Research assistants will gain valuable experience with cognitive neuroscience research, assisting with subject recruitment, behavioral/EEG/TMS/fMRI data collection, quality control of neuroimaging data, and execution of data analyses.

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

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Gastroenterology research about muscle layer and mucosa

Kurahashi Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

We invite passionate undergraduates to delve into groundbreaking gastroenterology research in advancing our understanding of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically focusing on its muscle layer and mucosa.

Genetic regulation of endoderm development

Lin Lab, Anatomy and Cell Biology

The goal of our laboratory's research is to understand the genetic regulation of endoderm development, which is a germ layer critical for craniofacial structures and the digestive system. We use zebrafish as the animal model.  

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

Sleep disturbance in psychiatric disorders

Neurodevelopment and Psychopathology Lab

We focus on defining the physiological features of sleep disturbances in psychiatric disorders, investigating their relations with symptoms and cognitive deficits, and examining the neural circuitry involved in these sleep deficits using neuroimaging and electrophysiology techniques.

VOLUNTEER

Physiology of ion transporting epithelia

Thornell Lab, Internal Medicine

Our projects are captured by the question “How do the different kinds of cells work together in an epithelium to orchestrate ion transport?”. Duties include making solutions, help in preparing experiments, and mouse genotyping. 

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

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Experimental fluid dynamics, naval hydrodynamics, flow diagnosis

Wang Lab

For undergraduate students who are interested in experimental fluid dynamics, there are several on-going research projects including sustainable drag reduction and developing an in-house laser illumination system.

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Cellular and Molecular mechanisms of Obesity/Diabetes

Yang Lab, Anatomy and Cell Biology

Our research aims to identify the molecular components of integration between organelle stress responses that are in play in obesity and diabetes at the cellular and organismic levels. 

Learning-Based High-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Multiparametric Quantitative MRI Group

Students are expected to code/run deep learning algorithms to solve specific problems in biomedical imaging. Qualifications STEM background. 
VOLUNTEER
TRANSCRIPT RECOGNITION

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Understanding novel genes in cardiac and neurological systems and disease

Boudreau Lab, Internal Medicine

The Boudreau Lab is working to discover new genes that regulate healthy heart and brain functions. We are looking for energetic students who are interested in learning advanced techniques to help us with general lab duties.

Social-Emotional Development from Infancy to Adolescence

Child Lab, Psychological Brain Sciences

We study children’s social-emotional development from infancy to adolescence. Students in this lab have the opportunity to work on a longitudinal study to help collect data during laboratory sessions, code behavioral data from videos, and perform preliminary data management. We prefer students with experience working with young children.

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

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Central nervous system control of metabolic homeostasis and sleep-wake behavior

Cui Lab, Neuroscience and Pharmacology

Research projects in our lab aim to uncover the complex brain networks and signaling mechanisms that control metabolic homeostasis and sleep-wake behavior using mouse as a model organism. 

Development of behavior problems and positive adjustment in children

Developmental Psychopathology Lab

We conduct research to understand how children develop behavior problems as well as positive adjustment. To study the development of behavior problems we examine brain development, sleep, stress, parenting, temperament, and language skills.

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

Neural Mechanisms Underlying Motivated Behaviors

The Flippo Lab

We are looking for undergraduates interested in neuroscience research investigating how the brain influences reward seeking and fear behaviors. Duties will include performing experiments in rodents and day-to-day tasks in the lab. 

ACADEMIC CREDIT

Human Brain Research and Technologies

Iowa NeuroBank Core, Iowa Neuroscience Institute

This position offers hands-on experience and research skills by working with a human brain bank and associated technologies, as well as outreach events. We are seeking a current senior with a major in neuroscience, biology, or human physiology. 

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

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Analysis of environmental contaminants in biological samples

Lehmler Lab, Occupational and Environmental Health

We are looking for student research assistants who would like to investigate the role of persistent organic pollutants in adverse health effects. The research project involves the analysis of environmental contaminants in biological samples.

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Impact of insulin signaling and FoxOs on muscle mitochondria and strength

Molecular Biology Lab

We are looking for an undergraduate researcher in a Molecular Biology lab who is willing to learn basic lab protocols (PCR, western blot, enzymatic assays) and be willing to handle mouse models. This position has the potential to grow into an independent project.

Brain Mechanisms of Learning and Memory

Neuroscience of Learning and Memory Lab

We conduct research on the brain mechanisms underlying learning and memory in humans, rats, and mice. Our experiments involve cutting-edge neuroscience techniques to study how information is learned and stored in the brain.

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT

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Human rights in Culture, Religion, Politics, and Law

Souaiaia Lab, Religious Studies

The research project (Media Narratives on Armed Conflicts) is interdisciplinary requiring the use of many tools and skills, including large data analysis, digital content creation, preliminary research answering specific research questions, and integration of digital content in classroom teaching. 

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Dietary and lifestyle approaches to improving quality of life in Multiple Sclerosis

Wahls Lab, Internal Medicine

The Wahls Research lab is interested in the relationship between diet quality and clinical outcomes. The study Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis is a five year study, completing in 2027.  

Cognitive Neuroscience

Wessel Cognitive Neuroscience Lab

At the Wessel Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, undergraduate research assistants will run Cognitive Neuroscience tasks with EEG and TMS neuroimaging techniques. No lab experience required. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required.

VOLUNTEER // ACADEMIC CREDIT